Patriot Press has announced that Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia, by Gettysburg author Jessica James, has won a gold medal for Best Regional Fiction in the Indie Book Awards contest and was a finalist in the Historical Fiction category. The book also garnered a silver medal for Best Regional Fiction in the 2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

“I am certainly honored that Shades of Gray is receiving such wonderful praise from the Civil War community,” James said, “and the awards are a wonderful bonus.”

Because of the quality and style of writing in Shades of Gray, James has been asked to review a spec script for a two-hour pilot of a Civil War movie.

“I was delighted when they asked me to review the screenplay and help with the dialogue,” James said. “I spent a lot of time reading nineteenth century literature in order to make the dialogue in my novel sound authentic and natural.”

Lauded for its ability to evoke intense emotion, Shades of Gray presents the passionate debate of The War Between the States in an epic tale of love and adventure. Bookpleasures.com says “[emotions] seem to transcend the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.”

Shades of Gray can be purchased at bookstores or from Internet book retailers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Signed copies can be purchased from James through her Web site www.jessicajamesbooks.com.

Press Release 4/7/2008

Publisher discounts book for American Civil War Birthday April 12

In recognition of April 12 being celebrated as the birthday of the American Civil War, Gettysburg publisher Patriot Press is discounting the price of their 2008 release Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia for one day only.At 4:30 a.m. on April 12, Confederates under Gen. Pierre Beauregard opened fire with 50 cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C., marking the beginning of the bloody four-year war that claimed more than 600,000 lives.“To mark that historic event and draw attention to the significance of that day, my publisher has agreed to offer a one-day discount of 25% off the purchase price plus free shipping at their Web site www.patriotpressbooks.com on April 12,” said author Jessica James. “I’m so pleased that those readers who have seen all the wonderful reviews will now have the chance to purchase it at a discounted price.”The Civil War is the backdrop for the page-turning plot of Shades of Gray, which is gathering attention for its accurate portrayal of the conflict and its passionate description of the private lives of Virginians forever changed by war. Hailed as a “sympathetic and loving portrait” by the Historical Novel Society, the novel has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers. Bob O’Connor, award-winning author of “The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln,” calls “Shades of Gray” the most accurate account of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as “exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish.”Shades of Gray (ISBN: 978-0-9796000-0-5) is available at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as Internet retailers and bookstores everywhere.

Filled with stories that are both educational and enlightening, The Southern Cross recognizes the five virtues of the Christian soldier: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy. Each of these is illustrated by some of the most inspirational stories to come out of the War Between the States. There are 40 uplifting devotions, as well as 10 encouraging essays that address some of the subject matter in greater detail.

Also included is a special sermon that was presented to Confederate soldiers in the field. Six biographical tributes to the South's most pious commanders follow and testify to the strength and spirit of 19th-century military leaders. As a bonus, a Bible reading plan will enable the reader to apply the principles of these patriots in their own lives.

Michael Aubrecht is a Christian Civil War historian and author from Fredericksburg, Va., who specializes in Southern Civil War history and the positive role that Christianity played during the War Between the States. His non-fiction book titles include: "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall," "Christian Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart," and "Houses of the Holy: Historic Churches of Fredericksburg."

The Southern Cross is available online at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as www.BarnesandNoble.com, www.amazon.com and bookstores.-30-

Press release of 3/21/20008

Jessica James to sign Civil War book in Frederick

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Gettysburg author Jessica James will sign copies of her debut book SHADES OF GRAY: A NOVEL OF THE CIVIL WAR IN VIRGINIA at Molly’s Meanderings, 17 N. Market St. in Frederick, Md. on April 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hailed as a “sympathetic and loving portrait” by the Historical Novel Society, “Shades of Gray” has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers.

Bob O’Connor, award-winning author of “The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln,” calls “Shades of Gray” the most accurate portrayal of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as “exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish.”

Released in January, 2008, by Gettysburg-based Patriot Press, “Shades of Gray” is an epic love story that takes readers on a journey across the rolling hills of northern Virginia. It is an emotional and moving story that illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

“Well written and expertly executed,” says The Book Review Journal. “You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War.”Frederick County Public Libraries is sponsor of the April 5 event “Much Ado About Books,” which is bringing 18 regional authors to different spots in the downtown area. Molly’s Meanderings is located in historic downtown Frederick and is filled with treasures of a vintage, Victorian style.

Shades of Gray is available online at www.patriotpressbooks.com, www.amazon.com and at bookstores everywhere.

-30-

Press Release of 2/17/2008

Newly released novel and Amazon data prove Virginia is for lovers'Shades of Gray' a top romance read

GETTYSBURG, PA. According to Amazon.com, Virginia is for lovers. And according to reviewers and avid book readers-so is a newly released novel that takes place entirely in the Old Dominion.

Virginia is well represented in Amazon.com's recent list of Most Romantic Cities, garnering three of the spots in the Top 20 list, and capturing the number one spot with Alexandria.

"Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia" by Jessica James, is also collecting attention for its sweeping portrayal of the War Between the States and its passionate description of the private lives of Virginians forever changed by war.

Hailed as a "sympathetic and loving portrait" by the Historical Novel Society, "Shades of Gray" has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers.

Bob O'Connor, award-winning author of "The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln," calls "Shades of Gray" the most accurate portrayal of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as "exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish."

Released in January, 2008, by Gettysburg-based Patriot Press, "Shades of Gray" is an epic love story that takes readers on a journey across the rolling hills of northern Virginia. It is an emotional and moving story, that illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

"Well written and expertly executed," says The Book Review Journal. "You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War."Shades of Gray (ISBN: 978-0-9796000-0-5) is available at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as Internet retailers and bookstores everywhere. (532 pages, Softcover. $27.99)